DENVER -- Investigators who are trying to solve the Maggie Long case have another lead to follow up, nearly 700 miles away but with similarities to the case in Colorado.
This one involves an arson/robbery in Missouri. Two men have been arrested after allegedly setting a young woman on fire in Centerview, Missouri.
"We need to learn their whereabouts when Maggie was killed," said Park County Undersheriff Dave Wohlers.
Major Burns
The Missouri case wasn't fatal, but it was gruesome.
According to court documents, Vincent Rist and Antonio Bowen entered the 20-year-old victim's house in rural Centerview, tied her up with tape, struck her in the head with a lamp, and doused her with gasoline.
When the victim refused to provide the combination to the gun safe, Rist allegedly ignited the gas and told her to burn with the "f-----g" house.
The house burned to the ground.
The victim was able to escape, but suffered first, second and third degree burns over 30 percent of her body.
The Probable Cause Statement indicates that Rist and Bowen made off with a shotgun.
Killed At Home
Maggie Long, 17, was killed at her family's home in Bailey, on December 1, 2017.
She had driven home from Platte Canyon High School, and was going to go back to school for a concert. She didn't make it.
Her body was found in the burned out house.
Nearly six and-a-half months later, the coroner still has not released the cause of death.
Home Targeted
Investigators say the thief specifically targeted Long's house, apparently thinking there were valuable items inside.
An AK-47 style rifle was taken during the incident, along with 2,000 rounds of ammo, a 9mm Beretta handgun and a gun safe.
Investigators released a sketch of a person who was seen at Long's house on December 1.
Now, they want to learn if Rist or Bowen have ever been to Colorado.
"Interviews may be problematic," Wohlers said, "because of the Missouri case. The attorneys there may not want them to talk, but we certainly have enough resources at our disposal, to be able to work and see if there's any connection to Colorado."
Tip Line
The Park County Sheriff has set up a Maggie Long Tip Line. That number is (303) 239-4243.
A $25,000 reward is also being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible.
